If you consider yourself a fan of literature, this is a good week to live in Akron.
A reading and Q&A session with author George Saunders will take place at the the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Main Library Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m. On April 7, author Rob Sheffield will be giving a reading and Q&A on the University of Akron’s campus at 7 p.m. in the Olin Hall Theater (room 124).
Saunders will read from his recently published novel, “Lincoln In the Bardo,” a New York Times bestseller. The book is written in a series of voices, so for the reading, Saunders has invited local author David Giffels, Rob Sheffield and a few others to read the parts of different characters.
Saunders’ short story collections have been praised by big-name writers like Thomas Pynchon, Lynne Tillman, Dave Eggers and Junot Diaz. The New York Times deemed his 2013 collection Tenth of December “the best book you’ll read this year.” For an understanding of his very funny, often compassionate style, read the story “Bohemians” from the New Yorker.
Rob Sheffield is a music journalist who has written for Spin, Blender, Details and currently Rolling Stone. He has released several acclaimed novels including “Love Is A Mixtape,” “Talking to Girls About Duran Duran” and “Turn Around Bright Eyes.”
He has recently written a book on The Beatles titled “Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World.” His work goes beyond mere commentary on music and explores the personal connections fans have with the songs they love. Check out some of his pop culture writing for Rolling Stone.
Chances are it’ll be a long time before two authors as popular and talented as Saunders and Sheffield put on back-to-back readings in Akron. So show up, buy some books, and beg for autographs.
For info, visit the Library’s event page.
